subject: Finding A New Dentist To Care For The General Dentistry Needs Of Your Family In Miami [print this page] Selecting a new dentist can be a challengeSelecting a new dentist can be a challenge. If the decision is made without much forethought, you can end up having to seek care from specialist and having different dentists for you and your children. With some advanced planning, the search can be simplified and the stress greatly reduced.
Choosing a dentist is a very important decision. There are a lot of factors to consider. It is also important to think about the future, maybe you will be having children, or a parent will be moving in with you. With some forethought, finding a dentist who can take care of your dental needs now and for years to come will not be that difficult.
Family or general dentist
One of the first thing you will need to decide is do you need a family or general dentist. A general dentist may or may not treat children and if they do, their office may not cater to, or necessarily understand, their needs the way a family dentist does.
Cosmetic dentistry
If you or someone in your household has been considering getting porcelain veneers or having a smile makeover, ask your prospective new dentist to see samples of his or her work. Most cosmetic dentists have a portfolio available with before and after photos showing examples of their work.
Orthodontics
Orthodontic problems can result in needing to see the dentist every few weeks, sometimes for over two years. If you, or someone in your family, will need braces find out if your dentist treats orthodontic issues in his or her office, or if you will referred to an orthodontist. You should also find out what orthodontic options they offer.
Emergency dentistry
Accidents can happen at any time, so it is important to know what you dentists policy is when it comes to emergency dental care. If he or she is not available after hours and on weekends, are patients referred to a colleague?
Other services
There quite a few procedures that some dentists do themselves while others refer them to specialists. Oral surgery is a perfect example; many dentists refer these cases to a specialist. Two of the more common procedures are surgical extraction and the placement of implants. Ask your dentist what kinds of procedures he or she refers to colleagues.
Once you have made a list of what you are looking for in a new dentist start getting referrals. The best place to start is with friends and family, people whose opinion you know you can trust. As you begin contacting prospective new dentists, check to make sure they accept your insurance. Since your insurance does not cover 100 percent of everything, it is important to find out if they offer financing and ask what forms of payments they accept. Before scheduling your first appointment, it is advisable to visit the office, this gives you a chance to check on things you cannot tell over the phone or on the internet such as, availability of parking, and convenient access. If you are caring for an elderly person this could be very important.
With some advanced planning finding, your new dentist in Miami will be very easy. It can also save you many hours in the future by finding a dentist who will be able to care for all of your needs now and for years to come.